12 ga. BE fox built in 1914 with 2 3/4 chambers

[birddog4me]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this forum, and I'm very happy to be here. I'd like to ask you a question about a BE Fox I was looking at. It was inscribed below the AH FOX Gun Co. Pa. on the left barrel- 12 Ga.- 2 3/4 chamber. I never saw this on a fox before. Someone said to me that it might have been retrofitted by Fox after the purchase of the gun.I know that there is a lot of knowledge about Fox shotguns on this forum, and I would gladly appreciate any information about this. Thank you all for your help. Victor

[vaturkey]

I suspect the gun was sent back during the Savage era for work and they extended the chambers to 2 3/4" and marked it as such on the left barrel close to the breech. Your gun is not the Lone Ranger. I believe that did that to many guns sent back for work. It seems to be fairly common.

[Researcher]

When a Philadelphia built Ansley H. Fox went to Savage for service, the first thing Savage would do before any work was done was measure the barrels, and if found suitable, would rechamber to 2 3/4 inch and proof test it at the owner's risk.

[birddog4me]

Hello,

Thank you very much for your fast responses. What a wealth of knowledge you guys have. Thank you for taking the time out to let me know.

[Researcher]

Don't suppose your gun would be 21349? The production card for my B-Grade 12-gauge, says "See 21349 for all dimensions."

[Silvers]

Savage was typically a bit “generous” when rechambering to 2-3/4”. Almost every one I’ve measured with a precision gauge was a tad or two longer than 2-3/4”.

[44whiskey]

Don't suppose your gun would be 21349? The production card for my B-Grade 12-gauge, says "See 21349 for all dimensions."

21474 04 12-ga B-Grade right.JPG

that is sure a fine looking B Dave,beautiful colors.fred

[birddog4me]

I was just looking at this Fox BE, because I never saw it stamped with 2 3/4 inch barrels that was made in Pa. Everyone was so helpful to point out that it was later sent to Ny for the chamber increase. The serial # on the gun is 22496. Thank you very much for all your help.

[Researcher]

We have discussed the variety of checkering patterns found on B-/BE-Grades in the past. That 22496 has yet a different checkering pattern on the forearm --

The more commonly seen patterns --

[Researcher]

We have discussed the variety of checkering patterns found on B-/BE-Grades in the past. That 22496 has yet a different checkering pattern on the forearm --

22496 01 BE-Grade.jpg

The more commonly seen patterns --

21474 05.JPG